About this course: Through a series of engaging metaphors and stories, prospective and current EFL/ESL teachers will identify, summarize, and evaluate 7 basic language learning paradigms. Learners will be presented information on such foundational principles as motivation, risk taking, two different modes of learning, and balancing the teacher profession. Learners are also given an understanding of basic techniques founded on those principles, such as teacher talk, looking “ridiculous” in order to lower the affective filter, and networking. With these foundational principles in mind, ESL/EFL teachers will scrutinize common assumptions about language learning by comparing how they stack up to research-based core principles.
Created by: Arizona State University
Taught by: Dr. Justin Shewell, Senior International Educator
Arizona State University
Taught by: Dr. Shane Dixon, Senior International Educator
Arizona State University Global Launch
Taught by: Andrea Mürau Haraway, International Educator
Arizona State University, Global Launch
| Basic Info | Course 1 of 4 in the TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization |
| Commitment | 2-4 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Spanish, Ukrainian |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Module 1: Making Meaning Clear
This course introduces learners to the role of a teacher in helping to motivate and properly engage learners. It begins with a metaphor: language is cake, meaning that language must be presented well in order to be enjoyed (we will actually perform a skit to show this meaning clearly). This module will demonstrate how a teacher can encourage a student and increase motivation by paying attention to techniques such as improving teacher talk, scaffolding language, and the use of body language to make meaning clear. All of these skills, while gained over the course of a lifetime as a language teacher, must be considered primary goals from the very beginning. And all of these skills help a teacher recognize that presentation skills make a difference to learners not only in motivating them, but in allowing them to understand the concepts presented.
8 videos, 4 readings, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: Welcome Video
- Reading: Welcome Guide to the Teach English Now! MOOC
- Practice Quiz: Welcome Guide
- Video: Video 1: Language is Cake
- Peer Review: Language is Cake
- Video: Video 2: Language is Cake: Technique and Content
- Reading: Why Intrinsic Motivation Matters
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 1
- Video: Video 3: Making Meaning Clear
- Video: Video 4: Teacher Talk
- Video: Video 5: Scaffolding
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 2
- Video: Video 6: Summary and Essential Question
- Video: Teacher Talk Example (Advanced)
- Reading: The Input Hypothesis
- Reading: Optimal Input is Comprehensible
Graded: Essential Question Peer Review
Graded: Module 1 Review Quiz
WEEK 2
Module 2: Modes of Learning and Interaction
In this module, learners are introduced to the distinction between learning and acquisition. The distinction is made to help give learners context for the principle that language requires practice. To introduce the importance of practice, the distinction between a focused and diffuse mode of learning demonstrates that students who simply learn through memorizing vocabulary and grammar structures (focused mode) often don’t acquire language structures. On the other hand, teachers who engage students in both a focused and diffuse mode, like a basketball coach with his players, are able to instruct but give time for that instruction to “sink in” through dedicated practice.
5 videos, 2 readings, 2 practice quizzes
- Video: Video 1: Acquisition vs. Learning
- Video: Video 2: Two Modes of Learning
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 1
- Video: Video 3: Language is Basketball
- Video: Video 4: Practice in the Two Modes
- Reading: Accuracy vs. Fluency: Find a Balance and Keep Moving Forward
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 2
- Video: Video 5: Summary and Essential Question
- Reading: The Acquisition-Learning Distinction
Graded: Essential Question Peer Review
Graded: Module 2 Review Quiz
WEEK 3
Module 3: Taking Risks and Learner Strategies
Using language learning expert Francois Gouin’s experience of going to Germany and failing to learn German, this module demonstrates the need for learners to understand how a language is learned. Gouin’s experience demonstrates not only the need for a diffuse mode of learning wherein practice is valued, but it also demonstrates the psyche of many second language learners. Francois, in some sense, was too smart for his own good, relying on techniques for learning material that don’t apply to language use and application. Students must use techniques and strategies that are proven to help someone acquire language, like those from the good language learner studies. Teachers can facilitate student learning by helping to demonstrate good language learner principles.
5 videos, 6 readings, 2 practice quizzes
- Video: Video 1: Language is a Stage
- Video: Video 2: Lowering the Affective Filter
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 1
- Video: Video 3: Language Learner Strategies
- Video: Video 4: Good Language Learner Strategies
- Reading: Teaching Language Learning Strategies
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 2
- Video: Video 5: Summary and Essential Question
- Reading: The Lightning Bug
- Reading: Three Korean Girls
- Reading: Fifty-five Hours
- Reading: Pieces
- Reading: The Affective Filter Hypothesis
Graded: Essential Question Peer Review
Graded: Module 3 Review Quiz
WEEK 4
Module 4: The Flipped Model of Language Learning
While it was once considered impossible to be immersed in English outside of an English-speaking country, with the advent of the internet, the world has changed and continues to change significantly. This module presents ways in which to use the internet and other resources to a teacher’s advantage, and helps a teacher recognize their ability to engage students on cell phones, tablets, and computers. Introduction of the flipped classroom, meaning that learners can engage in focused material (videos, readings, etc) outside the classroom, and then engage in projects, exercises, and discussions within it.
5 videos, 1 reading, 2 practice quizzes
- Video: Video 1: Language Learning Outside the Classroom
- Video: Video 2: Thinking Outside the Classroom Box
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 1
- Video: Video 3: Language Learning Online
- Video: Video 4: Student Autonomy
- Reading: Opening the Classroom Door
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 2
- Video: Video 5: Summary and Essential Question
Graded: Essential Question Peer Review
Graded: Module 4 Review Quiz
WEEK 5
Module 5: Avoiding Teacher Burnout
This module introduces the concept of teacher burnout, and several techniques to avoid it. The first technique is the creation of a network. By creating a network of teachers to help you understand your field, you can learn new ideas and have a resource for solving difficult problems. The second technique, maintaining control of your teaching environment, demonstrates the need for teachers to understand how to best make a difference and avoid the pitfalls of complaining. Finally, the third technique, finding your core, explains that teachers can, paradoxically, maintain energy by working tirelessly for the principles they most believe in.
5 videos, 2 practice quizzes
- Video: Video 1: Let's Talk About YOU
- Video: Video 2: Teaching is a Team Sport
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 1
- Video: Video 3: Freaking Out Over Control
- Video: Video 4: Lighting Fires
- Practice Quiz: Checkpoint 2
- Video: Video 5: Summary and Essential Question
Graded: Essential Question Peer Review
Graded: Module 5 Review quiz
WEEK 6
Module 6: Assessment
This review of the course guides learners to understand the different metaphors that serve as guides to understanding the foundational principles presented in this course.
1 video, 1 reading
- Video: Video 1: Course Summary
- Reading: Taxonomy of Language Learning
Graded: Final Assessment
FAQs
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Arizona State University
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Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
This course is presented very well. The team put together an effective presentation, in my opinion, of important techniques for teaching language. In addition to presenting the facts, the entire course serves as an example of the techniques taught in the class. The material was clear, thorough, and important. I enjoyed the videos and had no problem with the assignments; in addition, the peer reviews were very informative and provided other perspectives from students in many parts of the world. This was my favorite assignment because I liked learning from others, but it also highlights the importance of taking this class! What better example for the purpose of TESOL than to be able to communicate with others in the world! I'm encouraged to continue the program and feel great about the accomplishment.
I have learned quite a bit about teaching English as a foreign language from these ASU experts.
This course is proof that online learning can be an effective tool when used and done correctly! I absolutely loved being part of it and I appreciate the effort the teachers put into producing such good modules. I was interested in the idea of learning how to teach English before I started this course, and now after finishing I can't wait to learn more.
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Thank you for giving this opportunity! I liked this course for I can sense the basic of teaching Eng